What Is Involved in Teeth Cleaning of Cats?

Many cats at some point in their lives will need a professional dental cleaning. Purebred cats seem to be at higher risk of developing dental diseases, but less than 10 percent of cats will make it through life without experiencing dental problems. Periodontal disease is the most common, and when kitty is diagnosed, your veterinarian may recommend a professional teeth cleaning.

  1. Common Types of Dental Disease

    • To determine whether or not your cat is a good candidate for a teeth cleaning, your vet will first examine her teeth for any signs of disease or decay. Periodontal disease occurs when layers of plaque accumulate and harden on your cat̵7;s teeth. Her body̵7;s immune response causes her gums to become inflamed leading to painful, swollen gums; this is called gingivitis. Scraping away the plaque during the teeth cleaning procedure can reverse and fully eradicate early-stage periodontal disease. If the disease becomes too severe, kitty may need the most affected teeth removed. Another common feline dental disease that prompts surgical intervention is feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions (FORL). In the case of FORL, excess plaque causes lesions below the enamel. These lesions present themselves as red splotches on a cat̵7;s tooth. The affected tooth becomes increasingly painful and rotted without surgical intervention.

    Pre-surgery

    • If your cat is over the age of six or has any medical conditions, your veterinarian will likely recommend routine blood work to make sure kitty̵7;s ready for the teeth cleaning procedure. On the morning of the procedure, your veterinarian and team will work to help kitty remain calm and relaxed; anesthesia is required for all feline teeth cleaning procedures. Once sedated, a vet tech or assistant will monitor her heart rate, blood pressure, breathing and oxygen levels throughout the entirety of the procedure to ensure her safety. Though surgery can be nerve-wracking, don̵7;t panic; dental cleanings are one of the most routine procedures in most veterinary hospitals.

    During Surgery

    • The actual dental cleaning itself varies in length. Veterinarians always attempt to gain as much information, via X-rays and physical examination, before a cat is under anesthesia; the less time sedated, the better. A typical feline teeth cleaning lasts around 30 minutes to one hour. During this time your veterinarian will painstakingly examine each of kitty̵7;s teeth, scale and remove plaque and tartar above and below the gum line, polish her teeth and flush any bacteria out of her mouth. If during the examination, your veterinarian decides one or more teeth need to be extracted, he will do so at that point.

    Aftercare

    • Every cat experiences pain differently. A cat who has undergone a routine dental cleaning with no extractions will likely be back to her regular activities and diet within 24 hours. Other cats who have experienced multiple extractions may be sent home with antibiotics to prevent infection and pain management medications. Your veterinarian will provide you with specific aftercare instructions based on your cat̵7;s individual needs.